Description
Southwestern Chicken Rice Foil Packets are an easy all-in-one meal that features seasoned chicken breasts paired with a zesty mixture of rice, black beans, corn, diced vegetables, and Mexican cheese. Wrapped securely in foil and baked or grilled, these packets are perfect for fuss-free weeknight dinners or outdoor meals like camping and barbecues.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups cooked long-grain rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the cooking surface: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready when the packets are assembled.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated with seasonings.
- Assemble foil packets: Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Divide the rice and vegetable mixture evenly among the foil sheets, spreading it out in the center. Place one chicken breast on top of each rice pile.
- Seal the packets: Fold the foil over the ingredients and crimp the edges tightly to create sealed packets that lock in moisture during cooking.
- Cook the packets: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet if using an oven, or directly on the grill grates for grilling. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Add cheese and finish: Carefully open the packets (watch out for steam), sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese over the chicken and rice mixture inside each packet, then reseal loosely and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Open the packets fully, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve each packet with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Use cooked brown rice or quinoa as a healthier whole-grain substitute.
- Add sliced jalapeños to the rice mixture if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Be careful when opening foil packets as hot steam can escape and cause burns.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
